US plans to charge international students US$70,000 for work authorisation

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed charging international students up to $70,000 for training fees in order to work in the country, according to a government notice released on Wednesday. This is part of the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign visa holders.

Under the proposal, students with F-1 visas would need to pay $70,000 to a certified institution for on-the-job training, known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), and an additional $30,000 for any extra work training. DHS claims these new rules aim to prevent fraud, enhance the immigration system's integrity, and safeguard US workers.

OPT allows foreign students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and for a limited time following graduation. Currently, students anticipate paying around $500 for these programs. However, DHS is now implementing a fee to ensure employers, students, and institutions are involved in activities that align with their admission as an F-1 nonimmigrant.

These training programs often act as a pathway for students seeking work under H-1B visas, which the Trump administration has also targeted with higher fees. Many leading US tech companies heavily rely on these workers to fill skilled positions. During his 2024 campaign, President Trump promised to make it easier for foreign students to stay in the US, suggesting they would automatically receive a Green Card after graduation.

Like other similar DHS proposals, this rule change is expected to face legal challenges. The proposal is open to public comment for 30 days before it can be finalized. DHS stated it would allow a 60-day period after finalization before enforcing the rule to give schools, students, and employers time to prepare.